Newquay, Cornwall – July 2026 – Boardmasters, Cornwall's iconic surf and music festival, has announced a major new environmental campaign with its official environmental partner, Oceana UK, calling for an end to destructive bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Held on the Cornish coast from 5–9 August 2026, Boardmasters has championed sustainability since its inception. This year, the festival is expanding its environmental commitment by using its platform to highlight the urgent need to better protect Cornwall's marine ecosystems and coastal wildlife.

As part of the campaign, Boardmasters and Oceana UK have collaborated with talented arts students from Falmouth University to create a series of original protest artworks calling for stronger protection of UK seas. The pieces will be displayed throughout the festival at The View Stage, encouraging thousands of festivalgoers to learn more about the threats facing marine life and how they can support ocean conservation.

Bottom Trawling Continues in Protected Waters Off Newquay

The campaign comes amid growing concern over continued bottom trawling in the marine protected area off Newquay, where Boardmasters takes place each summer.

According to Oceana UK analysis, the area experienced 2,494 hours of apparent bottom trawling during 2025, despite its protected status. Bottom trawling is an industrial fishing method in which heavy weighted nets are dragged across the seabed, damaging fragile marine habitats and capturing large amounts of marine life in the process.

Although these waters are designated as a Marine Protected Area, bottom trawling remains legally permitted throughout the year, prompting campaigners to call for stronger protections to restore ocean health and biodiversity.

Sustainability at the Heart of Boardmasters

Environmental responsibility has long been central to Boardmasters. Over the years, the festival has introduced industry-leading sustainability initiatives designed to reduce its environmental impact while protecting the coastline that makes the event unique.

These include the festival's Green Pledge, the #LeaveOnlyFootprints campaign, comprehensive annual environmental impact reporting, and partnerships with leading environmental organisations and sustainability experts.

By working alongside Oceana UK, Boardmasters continues its mission to become one of the UK's most environmentally responsible festivals while inspiring festivalgoers to take action beyond the event itself.

Rob Spring, Festival Director of Boardmasters, said:

"Sustainability has always been at the heart of Boardmasters, but we know there's always more we can do. We're proud to work alongside Oceana UK and incredibly grateful to the talented students from Falmouth University who are helping bring this important issue to life through their creativity. Together, we're encouraging people to think about protecting the coastline and ocean that make Boardmasters so special."

Hugo Tagholm, Executive Director of Oceana UK, said:

"It's inspiring to work with the Boardmasters team and passionate local arts students to bring this vital message to everyone attending one of the UK's most iconic festivals. It's shocking to think that while people surf the world-class waves of Fistral Beach, destructive fishing practices continue just offshore, damaging marine habitats and wildlife. We must ensure our marine protected areas are genuinely protected so ocean life can recover and UK seas can thrive once again."

Protecting UK Seas Through Science and Action

Oceana is the world's largest international advocacy organisation dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Since its founding, Oceana has secured more than 300 victories to combat overfishing, habitat destruction, oil pollution and plastic pollution across the globe.

Operating from Cornwall and London, Oceana UK combines scientific research, evidence-led advocacy and public campaigning to help restore UK seas. Its current priorities include ending destructive bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas, tackling overfishing and opposing new oil and gas licences that threaten marine ecosystems.

As thousands of people gather in Newquay this August for five days of surfing, music and coastal culture, Boardmasters and Oceana UK hope the campaign will inspire visitors to become advocates for healthier oceans long after the festival ends.